RAMADAN IS HERE AGAIN

                      

Muslim students in the country have joined other Muslims in the world to fast in this 29 or 30 days Ramadan fasting, this is the period all and sundries usually seek Allah’s guidance and forgiveness , Musliudeen Adebayo Social Work and Administration University of Jos seeked students opinion on the month.

                Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory on every Muslims. Ramadan the ninth month of Islamic calendar to which Muslims  (including students ) usually prayed to witness is usually characterized by arrays of activities such as I'TKAF,( the period to confine one self in a mosque for salat (prayer) and  invocations leaving the worldly activities for a limited number of days ) observance of Tarawih (the compulsory ten Rakah prayer every day after the Ishai prayer) Lailat Al-Qadr, (the night of blessing) payment of Sadaqat Al-Fitr and other activities.

                The obligatory religion rite has been observing by the Muslim faithfuls since the first Hijrah (migration) which historically is amount to  1431 years when it was revealed in the Quran 2 verses 183, O you who belief , observing As Sawnn (the fasting ) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become Al Muttaqun (the pious). This year fasting which kicked off on Wednesday 11 August is expected to end on Wednmesday 8th or Thusday 9th of Septermer depending wether the month will be 29 or 30.

      Investigations revealed that during this period Muslims not only abstain from food from dawn to sunset ,they also avoid vain talks, sexual intercourse and avoidance of evils and enjoins good deeds as any act of worship would have added rewards  as revealed in the Quran and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad. It is the season of devotional rituals and self restraints as well as good will and benevolence.

     According to Ridwan Adekunle 400 level Zoology , the imam of Abuja hostel University of Jos ,''Ramadan is obligatory upon all Muslims except the sick and the aged , stressful travelers and nursing mothers .  He added that  'fasting which is the fourth pillar of Islam is divinely designed for Muslims to restrain from eating , drinking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset so as to attain the peak of faith' . he said details can be found in the Quran 2 verses 182 to 185. 'it teaches patience , humility and remind Muslims about the plight of the poor'. The Iman said.

   Sudents do not usually found it easy to fast in the school, considering that they do not have enough food with them and at times they may be so tired to wake up in the morning to take their Saur (the morning meal). and later in the day sunset one need to cook and onserve the ten daily Tarawih prayer.

        Fasting on campus is not an easy task one need to cook and wake up in the morning ,said one of the students ,in this kind of environment characterized buy indecent dressing, vain talks and the rest , but the MSSN which is shaduled with responsibilities in seeing the spiritual being of her members usually organize Tafseer, Ramadan lectures and the  also provides Iftar (meal to break the fast).

          Sanni Baba Toro just graduated from Social Work and Administration said  for a good Muslim at this time is required 2 take his or her time in more worship and prayer, to stop all things that are forbidding and do the right things, which are stooping, sex, Alcohol,eating,smoking,and all other things that can causes the damage of the fasting. he added that the Quran which is the holy book for the Muslims was revealed in this month. "Islam teaches us that this month is when God delivered His Word to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the form of the Qur'an, and we all must show kindness, compassion, and lives in peace with one another." he concluded.

               Olagoke Hafsat just graduated from Sociology University of Jos said ,Ramadan Kareem! , she continue saying she thank Allah for this month , Feel great becase one have enough time to praise God, this is the period we usually seek Allah's guidance.